TRAINING SCENARIOS
“ETHICAL DILEMA”
SCENARIO DESCRIPTION
Using one of two scenarios (Shipwreck or Alligator River Crossing) the learner(s) will
make a decision on an ethical dilemma, causing them to recognize the difficulty of such
decisions and the impact of their own values and principles.
Instructions:
 The instructor will pass out the one page handout and ask the learner to
complete it.
 Then on a marker board or flip chart track the answers.
 Follow up with an ethical discussion about the choices made.
 Debrief this scenario by discussing why it was done and how it relates or can be
applied to real life or the job.
KEY LEARNING POINTS
To provide an understanding of the unique environment including the principles, values
and concepts of the public safety professional. Learners will learn that each person may
see things differently and justify their decisions based upon on their set of values and
principles.
VARIATIONS

None
RESOURCES NEEDED


An ethical dilemma scenario. “Shipwreck” or “Alligator River Crossing” examples
attached.
Time: 15-20 minutes.
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SOURCE
Source for the Alligator River Crossing scenario is Sidney B. Simon, Leland W. Howe
and Howard Kirschenbaum modified by V. Tomek, Master Instructor, Oakland PD.
Source for the Shipwreck scenario is Robert Sanford Training Associates, 1992 APCO
National Conference.
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Shipwreck Scenario
Five survivors of a shipwreck wash up on two deserted islands. Two of them, both men,
A and B, are on the top island. Three others (C is a woman: D and E are men) are on
the bottom island.
There is a current from bottom to top, and some danger of sharks.
A and C love each other, and he calls over and asks her to join him. He cannot join her
because, that would make four on one island, leaving B alone and the current is against
him. She cannot swim, but she says she will ask E if she can use his balsa trees to
make a raft.
E agrees, but only if C will sleep with him. C does not know what to do, and so she
asks D for advice. D says that C has to make her own decisions. C tells E to go ahead:
he assembles the raft, she sleeps with him and floats up to A in the morning.
A comes down to the beach after finding out what C had to do to get to the island, and
tells her that because she slept with E he no longer wants or loves her.
B says that if A does not want C, he will take her.
Using the information in the story, rate the people, 1-5, best to worst. ( no ties…)
1. _______
2. _______
3. _______
4. _______
5. _______
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ALLIGATOR RIVER CROSSING
Once upon a time there was a person named A. A really loves B. B lives across the
river from A. The river, which separates A from B is teeming with man-eating alligators.
A wants to cross the river to be with B. Unable to make the crossing without a boat, A
asks C to provide transportation across the river. C agrees but tells A in exchange, they
have to spend the night together. A declines and goes to D, a friend of C. A asks D to
speak with C on A’s behalf. D does not want to get involved. A, feels there is no option
and returns to C. After A received a promise from C that A will be taken across the river
the next morning, they spend the night together. As promised C takes A across the
river.
A is reunited with B and both are very happy until B remembers that C does nothing for
free. When B asks how A convinced C to provide the transportation, A tells B about the
agreement. With no further discussion, B banishes A. a leaves and is befriended by E.
E tells A “If you will replace anything you use when you can, you may stay with me.”
Rank the individuals in the order of least objectionable (one) to most objectionable
(five).
1. _______
2. _______
3. _______
4. _______
5. _______
NOTE TO THE FACILITATOR: STOP HERE! HAVE EACH LEARNER RANK THE
INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT ANY DISCUSSION. AFTER THE INITIAL RANKING HAS
OCCURRED CONVENE THE GROUPS. THEY ARE TO COME TO A CONSENSUS
IN THE RANKING. AFTER THE DISCUSSION, PROCEED WITH THE REST OF THE
STORY. YOU MAY CHANGE THE “ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” FOR EACH OF
THE INDIVIDUALS.
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ALLIGATOR RIVER CROSSING
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A OR TAYLOR IS A 12 YEAR OLD BOY.
B OR LESLIE IS HIS MOTHER.
C OR CAPTAIN PAT IS THE OLD “TUGBOAT ANNIE” TYPE BOAT
OWNER.
D OR BOBBIE IS A’S OLDER BROTHER.
E OR RONNIE IS AN ELDERLY RESIDENT ON A FIXED INCOME.
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